When I was in high school, I lived for basketball season. Friday night games were the highlight of my week. But, for some strange reason, I never really became a fan of the NBA. Even so, I knew the name and reputation of Kobe Bryant and I was genuinely shocked and saddened to hear of his tragic death this week along with 8 other people.

Aside from his 20-year career as a leader with the LA Lakers, he was known for his tireless work for disadvantaged youth and for being a mentor and advisor to anyone struggling. People from vastly diverse areas have been coming forward all week to talk about how Kobe was there for them, sharing his wisdom and compassion whether they were recovering from an injury, or during a personal loss, or career setback.

Kobe was the devoted father to four daughters and proudly called himself a “Girl Dad.” By Wednesday, thousands of social media posts included the hashtag #girldad, as fathers posted photos of special moments with their daughters, and women expressed gratitude for the dads who raised them.

His family inspired his strong support of women’s athletics. He sponsored his daughter’s basketball team and sadly Giana, two of her teammates, their parents and their coach all perished in the crash, too.

Following his death, these stories emerged as key parts in his complicated legacy, which also includes a sexual assault charge from 2003. If nothing else, this serves to remind us that even our heroes have their faults and we are all in need of forgiveness.

One aspect of Kobe’s life that I had never heard before this week was that he was a practicing Catholic, spending the last morning of his life worshipping at his church in Newport Beach, Calif. I wonder just how much of his giving, compassionate attitude was shaped by his spirituality and his faith community?

Kathi

This Week at EMUC

Sunday February 2: Café style service

10:00 am: Worship and communion led by Rev. Kathi

Time for all ages question: "Jesus' teachings, known as the Beatitudes, reverse the ways we usually see the world. What do you think God is calling you to reverse in order to live in God's reality?"

Epistle Lesson: Micah 6: 6-8

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 5: 1-12

Message: "Breaking Chains"

Kidz Zone available

After the service: Lunch and Table Talks

Y
ou have been hearing about the core values in January. Come to this café style service, stay for lunch and participate in the Table Talk about inviting people to EMUC being led by the Congregational Growth committee.

Monday February 3:

Tuesday February 4:

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Wednesday February 5:

2:00 p.m.: Prayer Shawl Knitting Group

4:00 pm: M and P meeting

6:45 pm: Prayer and Communion

8:00 pm: Rental Assist Team - Mary Anna Williams

Thursday February 6:

12:30 pm: Minister Lectionary Study Group

7:00 pm: Chancel Choir Practice

Friday February 7:

Saturday February 8:

8:30 am: Rental Assist Team - Sylvia Arnold

﻿Next Sunday February 9: Service at 10:00 am; Kidz Zone available

Knowing Ourselves

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It is here! Sunday, February 2, 2020... Café Sunday,lunch and Table Talks after the service. The question that will be asked is:

“Think of a friend, neighbour or a person who doesn’t go to church and has a need that the church can fill; e.g., a person seeking friendship or community, or someone wanting to volunteer, or someone eager to grow in faith. Considering our four strengths/core values, what would you tell that person about EMUC and what would you say to invite them to the EMUC?”

Think about it! Come and participate in this interesting conversation. The exercise will be completed by 1 p.m.

What's Coming!

Join us as we celebrate during the month of February. The following services are drawn from contributions of our multi-cultural congregation.

Feb. 2 Communion Sunday and Table Talk discussing our values.

Feb. 9 Theodore Watts will provide Steel Pan music and favourite West Indian and African American treats will be served at coffee time.

Feb.23 After service at 1 p.m. we are visiting Erchless Museum, Oakville, to visit their Black History exhibition.

Coffee and fellowship follows every service.

TURKEY PIES: READY FOR PICKUP

For those who pre-ordered, your pies are ready. You can pick them up on Sunday after service, or during the week in regular office hours.

JOIN THE MISSISSAUGA GIRL GUIDES AT THEIR CAMPFIRE...

on
Wednesday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m, at Erin Mills Town Centre, Centre Court. We encourage you to join in the singing. With 300 girls and Guiders the sound is going to be amazing! See you there!

COMFORT KITS

Once again this year we will be collecting small travel size toiletry items - shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, creams, lotions, etc. Please bring your items to the church and deposit in the labelled box.

We will be collecting over the next several weeks for distribution at the Open Door at the end of February. Thank you.

SOLEL CONGREGATION-“INVITE YOUR NEIGHBOUR SERVICE”

On Friday, February 21 at 8:00 p.m., everyone is invited to attend a multi-faith service at Solel synagogue. The service will focus on the traditions and philosophy of Shabbat. Please see the sign up sheet at the back of the sanctuary, if you wish to attend. We need to RSVP by February 1.

﻿CLIMATE CHANGE. TAKING THE EARTH'S TEMPERATURE

University of Toronto Mississauga, and Central Library are offering this lecture on Tuesday, February 4, at the Central Library. Doors open at 6:45. Start time is 7 p.m. Free underground parking after 6 p.m. Register at University of Toronto Mississauga Alumni or Mississauga Central Library web pages.

Submitted by Mary Anna Williams

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE - SAVE THE DATE

We are embarking on a second collaborative Murder Mystery fundraising evening with our friends at Eden United Church. Rehearsals have begun and we are hoping for two sell out shows. “A Midsummer’s Nightmare” will take place on April 25 and 26. More details will follow, but please save the date and plan to come out and support this night of fun and fellowship.

'FUNDSCRIP' PROGRAM

FUNDSCRIP is an innovative fundraising program that asks you to purchase gift cards in order to pay for regular items you buy every month. A percentage of the cards purchased through FUNDSCRIP is donated back to our church. Order forms for gift cards are available the last Sunday of every month. Thenext order date is Sunday, February 23. Speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.